Driving Miss Daisy (released in theaters on December 13, 1989) follows the evolving relationship between Daisy Werthan, a wealthy, sharp-witted, and stubborn Jewish widow, and Hoke Colburn, her soft-spoken and dignified Black chauffeur in Atlanta, Georgia, beginning in 1948 and spanning over two decades.
After Miss Daisy (Jessica Tandy) wrecks her car, her son, Boolie Werthan (Dan Aykroyd), hires Hoke (Morgan Freeman) against her wishes.
Initially, Miss Daisy resists Hoke’s presence, refusing to let him drive her anywhere. Their early interactions are marked by her condescension and his quiet resilience.
Over the years, the forced association blossoms into a deep, mutual respect and genuine affection.
Through major historical and social changes including the Civil Rights Movement, Hoke becomes an essential part of Miss Daisy’s life. The film traces their journey from employer/employee to two old friends, concluding with a profoundly touching scene where an aging and frail Miss Daisy finally, explicitly, acknowledges Hoke as her best friend.
Patti LuPone appears as Boolie’s wife, Florine.
Directed by Bruce Beresford (Tender Mercies, Double Jeopardy, Crimes of the Heart, A Good Man in Africa), the film is often praised for the sublime chemistry between Freeman and Tandy.
Driving Miss Daisy was a major cultural and commercial success, earning nine Academy Award nominations and winning four, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Tandy, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
At age 80, Tandy became the oldest winner of the Best Actress Oscar, a remarkable achievement that cemented her late-career renaissance.
Freeman’s nuanced, career-defining performance as Hoke earned him an Oscar nomination, solidifying his status as a leading man.
The film is celebrated for its quiet, character-driven narrative and its sensitive handling of themes like aging, race, and friendship in the American South.
Morgan Freeman and Dan Aykroyd in Driving Miss Daisy (Photo/Warner Bros.)
Reception for Driving Miss Daisy
Driving Miss Daisy grossed $73,745 on its opening weekend, in limited release on three screens at a per-screen average of $24,581.
The film would open in wide release on Jan. 26-28, 1990 and grossed $5.7 million and finish No.1 at the box office.
Driving Miss Daisy remained in the top 10 for the next 15 weeks en route to grossing $106.6 million in its theatrical run.
Roger Ebert gave Driving Miss Daisy four out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
Driving Miss Daisy offered a rare, intimate look at the slow dissolution of racial barriers through the lens of a personal bond.
While some critics later noted its tendency to “soften” the harsh realities of the era, the film’s enduring popularity lies in its universal depiction of two seemingly different people finding common ground and deep companionship over time.
The film’s legacy is defined by its gentle yet powerful assertion that friendship can transcend differences in class, background, and race.
